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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Feb 18) addressed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) National Convention just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and exhorted the party workers to work towards making India a developed country. At the convention in New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence of winning the upcoming elections comfortably and said that&nbsp;today even&nbsp;the opposition leaders are saying that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win more than 400 seats this time. PM Modi was referring to the gaffe by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the parliament.</p>

<p>"But to take the NDA to 400, the BJP will have to cross the mark of 370 seats," Modi said in the presence of top BJP leaders.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-leads-bjps-370-seat-push-as-tribute-to-leader-who-campaigned-for-ending-jammu-kashmirs-special-status-691288">BJP’s 370 seats will be real tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, his fight for J&amp;K’s integration: Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>Stressing on the importance of the upcoming elections for the country, Modi said the next five years are very crucial for the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our dream and resolution is that we have to make 'Viksit Bharat' and the next 5 years will play an important role in it. In the next 5 years, we have to take a giant leap towards Viksit Bharat,"&nbsp;Modi said while urging BJP leaders and workers&nbsp;to&nbsp;work with renewed vigour and confidence in the next 100 days for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.<br />
<br />
"In the next 100 days, we all have to reach out to every new voter, every beneficiary, every community. We've to win everyone's trust," he said.<br />
<br />
"We are not here to do politics but to serve the country," Modi added. "People keep telling me you have achieved so much, you have fulfilled all major promises, then why are you still working so much? The entire country believes that having a spotless 10-year term and taking 25 crore people out of the poverty line is not a simple task..." he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: At the BJP National Convention 2024, PM Narendra Modi says, "I am not asking for the third term to enjoy power... If I had thought about my house, I would not have built houses for crores of poor people. I am living for the future of poor children. The dreams of… <a href="https://t.co/dRh3VCiuQK">pic.twitter.com/dRh3VCiuQK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1759141443505906040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking further he said,&nbsp;"If I had thought about my house, I would not have built houses for crores of poor people. I am living for the future of poor children. The dreams of crores of women, poor, and youth are Modi's resolve...".<br />
<br />
“We rid country of mega scams, terror attacks; made efforts to improve living standards of poor, middle class. I have received invites from foreign countries to visit them in July, August, September; they also know ‘Aayega to Modi hi’. I am the first PM who raised the issue of toilets from the Red Fort,” PM Modi said.<br />
<br />
“Several historic and courageous decisions were taken in the last 10 years. We found the solutions of decades-old problems. Wait of five centuries was ended by the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple; after seven decades, the Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated and Article 370 was abrogated. After four decades, the OROP demand was fulfilled. The country got its new education policy and women’s reservation bill was passed. We also brought a law against triple talaq,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP passes political resolution</strong></h2>

<p>The two-day national convention got underway on Saturday. On the first day of the BJP's convention, the party passed a significant political resolution titled 'Viksit Bharat' (advanced India) - highlighting the achievements of the Modi government.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: At the BJP National Convention 2024, PM Narendra Modi says, "...We ensured the death penalty for crimes like rape. To deal with it quickly, special arrangements were also made. I am the first Prime Minister who raised the issue of toilets from Red Fort...I am… <a href="https://t.co/elKSbVDKz8">pic.twitter.com/elKSbVDKz8</a></p>
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<p><br />
The national convention also passed a resolution on the Ram temple in Ayodhya, asserting that this heralds the establishment of "Ram Rajya" in the country for the next 1,000 years.<br />
<br />
The BJP said that the Modi government would return to power for a third straight term with a roadmap for expanding its welfare and development programmes. BJP National President JP Nadda urged party workers to surpass the 370 seats-mark in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<h2><strong>NDA would win a 'thumping' mandate in polls: Shah</strong></h2>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was present at the national convention, said on Sunday that the NDA would win a thumping mandate in the elections and Narendra Modi would return as prime minister for a third straight term in office.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Shah said that Modi not only gave citizens the courage to dream of a "Shrestha Bharat" (great India) but also made a collective effort to realise that dream.</p>

<p>Hitting out at the opposition INDIA alliance, Shah said that the bloc was out to defame India and was inflicting&nbsp;wounds upon the country's democratic soul and framework.</p>

<p>"They (INDIA alliance) tainted our democracy with corruption, nepotism, appeasement and casteism. Such nepotistic parties worked to stifle public opinion when in power," said the&nbsp;home minister.&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Feb 18) addressed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) National Convention just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and exhorted the party workers to work towards making India a developed country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Feb 18) addressed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) National Convention just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and exhorted the party workers to work towards making India a developed country. At the convention in New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence of winning the upcoming elections comfortably and said that today even the opposition leaders are saying that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win more than 400 seats this time. PM Modi was referring to the gaffe by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the parliament. "But to take the NDA to 400, the BJP will have to cross the mark of 370 seats," Modi said in the presence of top BJP leaders. Also read | BJP’s 370 seats will be real tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, his fight for J&K’s integration: Modi Stressing on the importance of the upcoming elections for the country, Modi said the next five years are very crucial for the nation. "Our dream and resolution is that we have to make 'Viksit Bharat' and the next 5 years will play an important role in it. In the next 5 years, we have to take a giant leap towards Viksit Bharat," Modi said while urging BJP leaders and workers to work with renewed vigour and confidence in the next 100 days for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "In the next 100 days, we all have to reach out to every new voter, every beneficiary, every community. We've to win everyone's trust," he said. "We are not here to do politics but to serve the country," Modi added. "People keep telling me you have achieved so much, you have fulfilled all major promises, then why are you still working so much? The entire country believes that having a spotless 10-year term and taking 25 crore people out of the poverty line is not a simple task..." he added. #WATCH | Delhi: At the BJP National Convention 2024, PM Narendra Modi says, "I am not asking for the third term to enjoy power... If I had thought about my house, I would not have built houses for crores of poor people. I am living for the future of poor children. The dreams of… pic.twitter.com/dRh3VCiuQK — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2024 × Speaking further he said, "If I had thought about my house, I would not have built houses for crores of poor people. I am living for the future of poor children. The dreams of crores of women, poor, and youth are Modi's resolve...". “We rid country of mega scams, terror attacks; made efforts to improve living standards of poor, middle class. I have received invites from foreign countries to visit them in July, August, September; they also know ‘Aayega to Modi hi’. I am the first PM who raised the issue of toilets from the Red Fort,” PM Modi said. “Several historic and courageous decisions were taken in the last 10 years. We found the solutions of decades-old problems. Wait of five centuries was ended by the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple; after seven decades, the Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated and Article 370 was abrogated. After four decades, the OROP demand was fulfilled. The country got its new education policy and women’s reservation bill was passed. We also brought a law against triple talaq,” he added. BJP passes political resolution The two-day national convention got underway on Saturday. On the first day of the BJP's convention, the party passed a significant political resolution titled 'Viksit Bharat' (advanced India) - highlighting the achievements of the Modi government. #WATCH | Delhi: At the BJP National Convention 2024, PM Narendra Modi says, "...We ensured the death penalty for crimes like rape. To deal with it quickly, special arrangements were also made. I am the first Prime Minister who raised the issue of toilets from Red Fort...I am… pic.twitter.com/elKSbVDKz8 — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2024 × The national convention also passed a resolution on the Ram temple in Ayodhya, asserting that this heralds the establishment of "Ram Rajya" in the country for the next 1,000 years. The BJP said that the Modi government would return to power for a third straight term with a roadmap for expanding its welfare and development programmes. BJP National President JP Nadda urged party workers to surpass the 370 seats-mark in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. NDA would win a 'thumping' mandate in polls: Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was present at the national convention, said on Sunday that the NDA would win a thumping mandate in the elections and Narendra Modi would return as prime minister for a third straight term in office. Union Home Minister Shah said that Modi not only gave citizens the courage to dream of a "Shrestha Bharat" (great India) but also made a collective effort to realise that dream. Hitting out at the opposition INDIA alliance, Shah said that the bloc was out to defame India and was inflicting wounds upon the country's democratic soul and framework. "They (INDIA alliance) tainted our democracy with corruption, nepotism, appeasement and casteism. Such nepotistic parties worked to stifle public opinion when in power," said the home minister.

At BJP National Convention, PM Modi says, ‘Oppn also raising slogan of NDA winning over 400 seats’

<p>A bronze hoard known as the Treasure of Villena, which was discovered in Spain more than 60 years ago, is crafted with extraterrestrial material. According to a report by Live Science earlier this month, the treasure&nbsp;discovered in 1963&nbsp;encompasses 59 bottles, bowls, and pieces of jewellery exquisitely crafted from gold, silver, amber, and iron.</p>

<p>The researchers who found the treasure noticed a few curious details about some of the iron pieces. Reports in the local media on Feb 7 said&nbsp;that the researchers described the items as being crafted of "a dark leaden metal. The items are shiny in some areas and covered with a ferrous-looking oxide that is mostly cracked.</p>

<p>A new study this year has revealed that the iron used in two of the artefacts originated from a meteorite that fell to Earth around a million years ago. For this study, researchers used two of the iron pieces- a C-shaped bracelet and a hollow sphere topped with a gold sheet. Both these items were crafted between 1400 and 1200 B.C.</p>

<p>The study said that using a technique called mass spectrometry, researchers measured traces of iron-nickel alloy that were comparable to that found in meteoric iron.</p>

<p>Speaking to Live Science, Ignacio Montero Ruiz, one of the researchers said that the artefacts were probably hidden treasures that could have belonged to a whole community and not to a single person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ruiz said that given the compositions of the artefacts being very similar, both these objects could have come from the same meteorite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers are not sure of who crafted the objects and where they originated. However, they know these are both the first and oldest meteoritic iron objects found in the Iberian Peninsula.</p>

<p>"One option is [they] came from the eastern Mediterranean where other contemporary objects are known (for example, the dagger and other items from King Tutankhamun's tomb)," Ruiz further told the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A bronze hoard known as the Treasure of Villena, which was discovered in Spain more than 60 years ago, is crafted with extraterrestrial material. According to a report by Live Science earlier this month, the treasure discovered in 1963 encompasses 59 bottles, bowls, and pieces of jewellery exquisitely crafted from gold, silver, amber, and iron.

A bronze hoard known as the Treasure of Villena, which was discovered in Spain more than 60 years ago, is crafted with extraterrestrial material. According to a report by Live Science earlier this month, the treasure discovered in 1963 encompasses 59 bottles, bowls, and pieces of jewellery exquisitely crafted from gold, silver, amber, and iron. The researchers who found the treasure noticed a few curious details about some of the iron pieces. Reports in the local media on Feb 7 said that the researchers described the items as being crafted of "a dark leaden metal. The items are shiny in some areas and covered with a ferrous-looking oxide that is mostly cracked. A new study this year has revealed that the iron used in two of the artefacts originated from a meteorite that fell to Earth around a million years ago. For this study, researchers used two of the iron pieces- a C-shaped bracelet and a hollow sphere topped with a gold sheet. Both these items were crafted between 1400 and 1200 B.C. The study said that using a technique called mass spectrometry, researchers measured traces of iron-nickel alloy that were comparable to that found in meteoric iron. Speaking to Live Science, Ignacio Montero Ruiz, one of the researchers said that the artefacts were probably hidden treasures that could have belonged to a whole community and not to a single person. Ruiz said that given the compositions of the artefacts being very similar, both these objects could have come from the same meteorite. The researchers are not sure of who crafted the objects and where they originated. However, they know these are both the first and oldest meteoritic iron objects found in the Iberian Peninsula. "One option is [they] came from the eastern Mediterranean where other contemporary objects are known (for example, the dagger and other items from King Tutankhamun's tomb)," Ruiz further told the publication. (With inputs from agencies)

Treasure discovered in Spain over 60 years ago crafted with extraterrestrial metal: Report

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<p><strong>UFC 298 results:</strong>&nbsp;Ilia Topuria of Georgia&nbsp;is the new Featherweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after he defeated Alexander Volkanovski (Australia) by a knockout (KO) in the second round of the main event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. With the championship win, Topuria stays undefeated in the UFC with all his seven fights ending in a win. His total record in mixed martial arts (MMA) stands at 15-0.</p>

<p>The co-main event was in the Middleweight division between Robert Whittaker (Australia) and Paulo Costa (Brazil). Whittaker defeated Paulo Costa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).</p>

<p>Two other exciting fights happened on this card- in the Bantamweight division, Merab Dvalishvili (Georgia) defeated Henry Cejudo (United States) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28); and Rank 10 Welterweight Ian Machado Garry (Ireland) defeated Geoff Neal<em>&nbsp;</em>(United States) by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27).</p>

<h3><strong>Main event: Ilia Topuria vs Alexander Volkanovski (Featherweight title fight)</strong></h3>

<p>For most of the fight, Topuria stalked Volkanovski inside the octagon looking for an opening to land a devastating shot. He just missed a couple of times during the first and through the midway point of the second. In the later duration of the second round, a right hand from the Georgian knocked out Volkanovski cold.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Trust yourself. Work tirelessly. Have faith and anything is possible."<a href="https://twitter.com/Topuriailia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TopuriaIlia</a> shares his first thoughts after becoming the NEW featherweight champion <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC298?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC298</a> <a href="https://t.co/ybicFRtsMT">pic.twitter.com/ybicFRtsMT</a></p>
— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1759096981526585423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>With this win, Topuria becomes the sixth undisputed champion to sit on the throne in the 145-pound weight class. He also won the performance of the night.</p>

<h3><strong>Co-main event: Robert Whittaker vs Paulo Costa (Middleweight fight)</strong></h3>

<p>The co-main fight between Whittaker and Costa was an “edge of your seat” battle from the outset. In the first five minutes of the fight, Costa landed a spinning heel kick that landed flush and wobbled Whittaker.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER 😮‍💨<a href="https://twitter.com/robwhittakermma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RobWhittakerMMA</a> takes home the UD in our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC298?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC298</a> co-main event! <a href="https://t.co/S41tTqNWQv">pic.twitter.com/S41tTqNWQv</a></p>
— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1759087332731600982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Australian responded in the second round, continuing to out-land Costa while mixing between the lead leg and the head. In the third and final round of the fight, Whittaker upped the output in the second half and continued to connect at a greater clip than Costa.</p>

<p>The Australian won the fight by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).</p>

<p><strong>Here are the results of other fights from UFC 298:</strong></p>

<p><em><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Anthony Hernandez defeats Roman Kopylov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:23 of Round 2</em></p>

<p><em><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Amanda Lemos defeats Mackenzie Dern by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Marcos Rogerio de Lima defeats Junior Tafa by TKO (low kick) at 1:14 of Round 2</em></p>

<p><em><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Rinya Nakamura defeats Carlos Vera by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Zhang Mingyang defeats Brendson Ribeiro by KO (left hand) at 1:41 of Round 1</em></p>

<p><em><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Danny Barlow defeats Josh Quinlan by TKO (strikes) at 1:18 of Round 3</em></p>

<p><em><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Oban Elliott defeats Val Woodburn by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Miranda Maverick defeats Andrea Lee by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)</em></p>


UFC 298 results: Ilia Topuria of Georgia is the new Featherweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after he defeated Alexander Volkanovski (Australia) by a knockout (KO) in the second round of the main event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

UFC 298 results: Ilia Topuria of Georgia is the new Featherweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after he defeated Alexander Volkanovski (Australia) by a knockout (KO) in the second round of the main event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. With the championship win, Topuria stays undefeated in the UFC with all his seven fights ending in a win. His total record in mixed martial arts (MMA) stands at 15-0. The co-main event was in the Middleweight division between Robert Whittaker (Australia) and Paulo Costa (Brazil). Whittaker defeated Paulo Costa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). Two other exciting fights happened on this card- in the Bantamweight division, Merab Dvalishvili (Georgia) defeated Henry Cejudo (United States) by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28); and Rank 10 Welterweight Ian Machado Garry (Ireland) defeated Geoff Neal (United States) by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27). Main event: Ilia Topuria vs Alexander Volkanovski (Featherweight title fight) For most of the fight, Topuria stalked Volkanovski inside the octagon looking for an opening to land a devastating shot. He just missed a couple of times during the first and through the midway point of the second. In the later duration of the second round, a right hand from the Georgian knocked out Volkanovski cold. "Trust yourself. Work tirelessly. Have faith and anything is possible."@TopuriaIlia shares his first thoughts after becoming the NEW featherweight champion #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/ybicFRtsMT — UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024 × With this win, Topuria becomes the sixth undisputed champion to sit on the throne in the 145-pound weight class. He also won the performance of the night. Co-main event: Robert Whittaker vs Paulo Costa (Middleweight fight) The co-main fight between Whittaker and Costa was an “edge of your seat” battle from the outset. In the first five minutes of the fight, Costa landed a spinning heel kick that landed flush and wobbled Whittaker. BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER 😮‍💨@RobWhittakerMMA takes home the UD in our #UFC298 co-main event! pic.twitter.com/S41tTqNWQv — UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024 × The Australian responded in the second round, continuing to out-land Costa while mixing between the lead leg and the head. In the third and final round of the fight, Whittaker upped the output in the second half and continued to connect at a greater clip than Costa. The Australian won the fight by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). Here are the results of other fights from UFC 298: > Anthony Hernandez defeats Roman Kopylov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:23 of Round 2 > Amanda Lemos defeats Mackenzie Dern by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) > Marcos Rogerio de Lima defeats Junior Tafa by TKO (low kick) at 1:14 of Round 2 > Rinya Nakamura defeats Carlos Vera by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) > Zhang Mingyang defeats Brendson Ribeiro by KO (left hand) at 1:41 of Round 1 > Danny Barlow defeats Josh Quinlan by TKO (strikes) at 1:18 of Round 3 > Oban Elliott defeats Val Woodburn by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) > Miranda Maverick defeats Andrea Lee by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

UFC 298: Ilia Topuria is new Featherweight champion after defeating Alexander Volkanovski by KO

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<p>Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled on Friday (Feb 16). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Justice Arthur Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years.</p>

<p>Justice Engoron cancelled his prior ruling in Sept last year that ordered the "dissolution" of companies that control pillars of Trump's real estate empire. He said on Friday that this was no longer necessary because he is appointing an independent monitor and compliance director to oversee the 77-year-old Republican's business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his ruling, Engoron said that Trump and the other defendants in the civil fraud case were incapable of admitting the error of their ways. "Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological. Instead, they adopt a 'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' posture that the evidence belies," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>The case</strong></h2>

<p>The civil fraud case came into light after a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion a year over a decade to fool bankers into giving him better loan terms. Trump's two sons- Eric and Donald Trump Jr were also found liable in the case and ordered to pay more than $4 million each.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-hush-money-case-new-york-judge-sets-march-25-date-for-historic-trump-criminal-trial-690678">Stormy Daniels hush money case: New York judge sets March 25 date for historic criminal trial of Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>The former president faces no threat of imprisonment as the case is civil and not criminal. Friday's ruling is a major blow to his business empire and financial standing.</p>

<p>Justice Engoron said on Friday that Trump and his companies' past run-ins with the law were part of the reason for the stiff penalties. The Trump Organization was found guilty of criminal tax fraud in 2022, and two other entities Trump ran previously settled allegations of wrongdoing brought by the state of New York, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a trial testimony in November last year, Trump conceded that the value of some of his properties&nbsp;were inaccurate but insisted banks were obligated to do their own due diligence.</p>

<h2><strong>'Crooked Biden"</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has accused President Joe Biden of driving the civil fraud case calling it "weaponisation against a political opponent who's up a lot in the polls", and vowed to appeal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A New York State judge just ruled, and he's crooked as you could get and a lot of people expected something like this, but not for the amount. But this is a very dishonest man. This is a man that's been overturned already on this case four times," Trump said on Friday.</p>

<p>"This judge thought Mar-a-Lago is worth 18 million dollars and it's worth anywhere from 50 to 100 times that amount. So, we realized that. He ruled against me before he even got the case. He ruled against me, said I was guilty. He didn't know what I was guilty of before he even got the case. And Letitia James, that's another case altogether. She's a horribly corrupt attorney general, and it's all having to do with election interference,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Fani Willis blames Trump co-defendants of 'lying' in court about misconduct</strong></p>

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<p>His lawyer Alina Habba, meanwhile, said in a statement that the ruling was a "manifest injustice" and the "culmination of a multi-year, politically fueled witch hunt" against Trump.</p>

<p>"This is not just about Donald Trump - if this decision stands, it will serve as a signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business," Habba added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled on Friday (Feb 16).

Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been ordered to pay $354.9 million to the state of New York in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a judge ruled on Friday (Feb 16). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Justice Arthur Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years. Justice Engoron cancelled his prior ruling in Sept last year that ordered the "dissolution" of companies that control pillars of Trump's real estate empire. He said on Friday that this was no longer necessary because he is appointing an independent monitor and compliance director to oversee the 77-year-old Republican's business. In his ruling, Engoron said that Trump and the other defendants in the civil fraud case were incapable of admitting the error of their ways. "Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological. Instead, they adopt a 'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' posture that the evidence belies," he said. The case The civil fraud case came into light after a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion a year over a decade to fool bankers into giving him better loan terms. Trump's two sons- Eric and Donald Trump Jr were also found liable in the case and ordered to pay more than $4 million each. Also read | Stormy Daniels hush money case: New York judge sets March 25 date for historic criminal trial of Trump The former president faces no threat of imprisonment as the case is civil and not criminal. Friday's ruling is a major blow to his business empire and financial standing. Justice Engoron said on Friday that Trump and his companies' past run-ins with the law were part of the reason for the stiff penalties. The Trump Organization was found guilty of criminal tax fraud in 2022, and two other entities Trump ran previously settled allegations of wrongdoing brought by the state of New York, Reuters reported. During a trial testimony in November last year, Trump conceded that the value of some of his properties were inaccurate but insisted banks were obligated to do their own due diligence. 'Crooked Biden" Trump has accused President Joe Biden of driving the civil fraud case calling it "weaponisation against a political opponent who's up a lot in the polls", and vowed to appeal. "A New York State judge just ruled, and he's crooked as you could get and a lot of people expected something like this, but not for the amount. But this is a very dishonest man. This is a man that's been overturned already on this case four times," Trump said on Friday. "This judge thought Mar-a-Lago is worth 18 million dollars and it's worth anywhere from 50 to 100 times that amount. So, we realized that. He ruled against me before he even got the case. He ruled against me, said I was guilty. He didn't know what I was guilty of before he even got the case. And Letitia James, that's another case altogether. She's a horribly corrupt attorney general, and it's all having to do with election interference,” he added. Also watch | US: Fani Willis blames Trump co-defendants of 'lying' in court about misconduct × His lawyer Alina Habba, meanwhile, said in a statement that the ruling was a "manifest injustice" and the "culmination of a multi-year, politically fueled witch hunt" against Trump. "This is not just about Donald Trump - if this decision stands, it will serve as a signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business," Habba added. (With inputs from agencies)

New York fraud case: Trump ordered to pay nearly $355 mn, barred from doing business in state for 3 yrs

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<p>Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting during a victory rally of National Football League (NFL) champions Kansas City Chiefs outside a landmark railroad station in Kansas City earlier this week, American media reported on Friday (Feb 16). The 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri Jackson County Family Court Division said that the juveniles were charged Thursday and are being held at a juvenile detention centre on gun-related and resisting arrest charges.</p>

<p>According to a report by NBC News, officials said that additional charges were expected as the investigation into the case continued. Three people were initially detained after Wednesday's shooting. However, one of the detainees was released after it was determined they were not involved, the report added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-missouri-has-one-of-the-highest-rates-of-gun-deaths-what-are-the-states-gun-laws-690462">Kansas shooting: Missouri state has one of the highest gun death rates in US and lax laws</a></strong></p>

<p>The shooting killed a 43-year-old radio DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan, and injured 22 others.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Scarring an entire community’</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement posted on social media, Kansas City police Chief Stacey Graves said, "I am grateful for the charges against the two juveniles who hurt innocent people, simultaneously scarring an entire community."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Graves added that the investigators would not relent "until everyone who may have played a part in these crimes is apprehended so that they may be punished to the fullest extent of the law."</p>

<p>Authorities had earlier said that a dispute among several people ended in gunfire and there was no evidence of violent extremism or terrorism.</p>

<h2><strong>Vigil held to pay tributes to victim</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday night, a vigil was held to pay tributes to Lisa Lopez-Galvan and extend blessings to 22 others injured in the shooting. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the vigil took place in a park next to a hospital where several children injured in the shooting are receiving treatment.</p>

<p>Rosina Valdivia, a friend of the deceased DJ, said, "She was a big voice in our community. And it is just heartbreaking. I knew her as a teenager. Such a tragic event. Should have never happened. Should have never happened."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting during a victory rally of National Football League (NFL) champions Kansas City Chiefs outside a landmark railroad station in Kansas City earlier this week, American media reported on Friday (Feb 16).

Two juveniles have been charged in connection with the shooting during a victory rally of National Football League (NFL) champions Kansas City Chiefs outside a landmark railroad station in Kansas City earlier this week, American media reported on Friday (Feb 16). The 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri Jackson County Family Court Division said that the juveniles were charged Thursday and are being held at a juvenile detention centre on gun-related and resisting arrest charges. According to a report by NBC News, officials said that additional charges were expected as the investigation into the case continued. Three people were initially detained after Wednesday's shooting. However, one of the detainees was released after it was determined they were not involved, the report added. Also read | Kansas shooting: Missouri state has one of the highest gun death rates in US and lax laws The shooting killed a 43-year-old radio DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan, and injured 22 others. ‘Scarring an entire community’ In a statement posted on social media, Kansas City police Chief Stacey Graves said, "I am grateful for the charges against the two juveniles who hurt innocent people, simultaneously scarring an entire community." Graves added that the investigators would not relent "until everyone who may have played a part in these crimes is apprehended so that they may be punished to the fullest extent of the law." Authorities had earlier said that a dispute among several people ended in gunfire and there was no evidence of violent extremism or terrorism. Vigil held to pay tributes to victim On Thursday night, a vigil was held to pay tributes to Lisa Lopez-Galvan and extend blessings to 22 others injured in the shooting. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the vigil took place in a park next to a hospital where several children injured in the shooting are receiving treatment. Rosina Valdivia, a friend of the deceased DJ, said, "She was a big voice in our community. And it is just heartbreaking. I knew her as a teenager. Such a tragic event. Should have never happened. Should have never happened." (With inputs from agencies)

Kansas Super Bowl parade shooting: Two juveniles charged in connection with incident

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Feb 17) lashed out at Russia over its offensive in his country. Addressing the Munich Security Conference (MSC), President Zelensky said, "Feb 24 (when the war started) could have marked the end of the world we know. Every outbreak of war risks turning into a worldwide catastrophe."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the Ukrainian military withdrawing from the eastern town of Avdiivka, Zelensky said the main aim of this pullback was to "save our soldiers' lives." He pointed out that Ukraine's battle to repel Russian troops was being held back by a lack of long-range weapons and artillery shells.</p>

<p>"Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in a deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war," the Ukrainian president told the conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-withdraws-forces-from-avdiivka-hours-after-signing-french-security-deal-691084">Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal</a></strong></p>

<p>In a veiled reference to the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, Zelensky said that human life was worthless to the Russian state. "Russian President Vladimir Putin kills whoever he wants, be it an opposition leader or whoever is a target for him. Dictators do not go on vacation," he added.</p>

<p>The Munich Security Conference started on Friday and will go on till Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky landed in Munich as the war with Russia nears its third year. This is his first foreign trip since he replaced his popular army chief and reshuffled his military command.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Is Russia using thousands of SpaceX Starlink terminals in Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday, the Ukrainian president signed a new long-term security pact with France, after securing a similar deal and aid from Germany. Zelensky is visiting Germany and France to drum up military assistance.</p>

<p>According to French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine's 10-year security pact with Paris includes commitments to deliver more arms to the war-torn country, &nbsp;train soldiers and send up to $3.2 billion in military aid to Kyiv this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the security pact with Germany which is also 10 years long, commits Germany to supporting Ukraine with military assistance hitting Russia with sanctions and export controls, and ensuring that Russian assets remain frozen.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Feb 17) lashed out at Russia over its offensive in his country. Addressing the Munich Security Conference (MSC), President Zelensky said, "Feb 24 (when the war started) could have marked the end of the world we know.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Feb 17) lashed out at Russia over its offensive in his country. Addressing the Munich Security Conference (MSC), President Zelensky said, "Feb 24 (when the war started) could have marked the end of the world we know. Every outbreak of war risks turning into a worldwide catastrophe." On the Ukrainian military withdrawing from the eastern town of Avdiivka, Zelensky said the main aim of this pullback was to "save our soldiers' lives." He pointed out that Ukraine's battle to repel Russian troops was being held back by a lack of long-range weapons and artillery shells. "Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in a deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war," the Ukrainian president told the conference. Also read | Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal In a veiled reference to the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, Zelensky said that human life was worthless to the Russian state. "Russian President Vladimir Putin kills whoever he wants, be it an opposition leader or whoever is a target for him. Dictators do not go on vacation," he added. The Munich Security Conference started on Friday and will go on till Sunday. Zelensky landed in Munich as the war with Russia nears its third year. This is his first foreign trip since he replaced his popular army chief and reshuffled his military command. Also watch | Is Russia using thousands of SpaceX Starlink terminals in Ukraine? × On Friday, the Ukrainian president signed a new long-term security pact with France, after securing a similar deal and aid from Germany. Zelensky is visiting Germany and France to drum up military assistance. According to French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine's 10-year security pact with Paris includes commitments to deliver more arms to the war-torn country, train soldiers and send up to $3.2 billion in military aid to Kyiv this year. Meanwhile, the security pact with Germany which is also 10 years long, commits Germany to supporting Ukraine with military assistance hitting Russia with sanctions and export controls, and ensuring that Russian assets remain frozen. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine’s battle to repel Russian forces held back by...: Zelensky addresses Munich Security Conference

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<p>Section 144 has been imposed in Pakistan's capital&nbsp;Islamabad, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) peaceful protest&nbsp;called on&nbsp;Saturday (Feb 17) over the rigging of the recently concluded general elections. In a post on X, the Islamabad Police said that patrolling has been increased in&nbsp;the Islamabad Capital Territory and checking has been tightened at all checkpoints.</p>

<p>"Citizens should carry necessary identification documents while travelling and cooperate with the police during checking," the police said, adding that there might be heavy traffic towards F-Nine Park, "so citizens should avoid unnecessary travel in this direction."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-to-be-declared-null-and-void-all-eyes-on-supreme-court-for-key-verdict-691082">Pakistan Elections 2024 to be declared null and void? All eyes on Supreme Court for key verdict</a></strong></p>

<p>"Women and children below 18 years of age should avoid going to F Nine Park and F Six between 10 am to 1 pm," the police said in a separate post on X and warned that nobody would be allowed to cause disturbance in Islamabad. "Strict legal action will be taken against the violators," the post added.</p>

<h2><strong>The peaceful protests against poll rigging</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's PTI announced its decision to sit in the opposition benches in Parliament as well as the Punjab Assembly, and launch a nationwide protest&nbsp;against rigging in the Feb 8 general elections. Speaking to the Dawn, a PTI source said that Khan tasked former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser with engaging political parties to muster support for the protest drive.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">اسلام آباد میں امن عامہ کے قیام اور دفعہ 144 کی عملداری یقینی بنانے اسلام آباد کیپیٹل پولیس کے جوان اور افسران شہر بھر میں اپنے فرائض سر انجام دے رہے ہیں ۔<br />
عوام الناس کو متنبہ کیا جاتا ہے کہ کسی غیر قانونی عمل کا حصہ نہ بنیں۔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICTP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICTP</a> <a href="https://t.co/dzMXcLUy5s">pic.twitter.com/dzMXcLUy5s</a></p>
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICT_Police/status/1758758186398433620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The PTI also issued a white paper against alleged rigging on Friday. The party urged the entire country to take part in the peaceful protests.</p>

<p>The elections did not return a clear majority for anyone but independent candidates backed by Imran Khan won 92 out of 264 seats, making them the largest group.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Protests surge across Pakistan amidst claims of vote rigging</strong></p>

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<p>The current caretaker government and Pakistan's election commission have rejected the allegations of rigging and said the country has laws and systems to investigate specific complaints.</p>

<h2><strong>GDA protests in Sindh</strong></h2>

<p>A day back, leaders and supporters of the Grand Democratic Alliance protested in Sindh, blocking a main highway against the alleged poll rigging. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, GDA leaders and supporters gathered and staged a sit-in at Jamshoro Toll Plaza at the Hyderabad-Jamshoro interchange demanding free and fair results.</p>

<p>The PTI and other political parties have backed the GDA's demonstrations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Section 144 has been imposed in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) peaceful protest called on Saturday (Feb 17) over the rigging of the recently concluded general elections.

Section 144 has been imposed in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) peaceful protest called on Saturday (Feb 17) over the rigging of the recently concluded general elections. In a post on X, the Islamabad Police said that patrolling has been increased in the Islamabad Capital Territory and checking has been tightened at all checkpoints. "Citizens should carry necessary identification documents while travelling and cooperate with the police during checking," the police said, adding that there might be heavy traffic towards F-Nine Park, "so citizens should avoid unnecessary travel in this direction." Also read | Pakistan Elections 2024 to be declared null and void? All eyes on Supreme Court for key verdict "Women and children below 18 years of age should avoid going to F Nine Park and F Six between 10 am to 1 pm," the police said in a separate post on X and warned that nobody would be allowed to cause disturbance in Islamabad. "Strict legal action will be taken against the violators," the post added. The peaceful protests against poll rigging Earlier, former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's PTI announced its decision to sit in the opposition benches in Parliament as well as the Punjab Assembly, and launch a nationwide protest against rigging in the Feb 8 general elections. Speaking to the Dawn, a PTI source said that Khan tasked former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser with engaging political parties to muster support for the protest drive. اسلام آباد میں امن عامہ کے قیام اور دفعہ 144 کی عملداری یقینی بنانے اسلام آباد کیپیٹل پولیس کے جوان اور افسران شہر بھر میں اپنے فرائض سر انجام دے رہے ہیں ۔ عوام الناس کو متنبہ کیا جاتا ہے کہ کسی غیر قانونی عمل کا حصہ نہ بنیں۔#ICTP pic.twitter.com/dzMXcLUy5s — Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) February 17, 2024 × The PTI also issued a white paper against alleged rigging on Friday. The party urged the entire country to take part in the peaceful protests. The elections did not return a clear majority for anyone but independent candidates backed by Imran Khan won 92 out of 264 seats, making them the largest group. Also watch | Protests surge across Pakistan amidst claims of vote rigging × The current caretaker government and Pakistan's election commission have rejected the allegations of rigging and said the country has laws and systems to investigate specific complaints. GDA protests in Sindh A day back, leaders and supporters of the Grand Democratic Alliance protested in Sindh, blocking a main highway against the alleged poll rigging. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, GDA leaders and supporters gathered and staged a sit-in at Jamshoro Toll Plaza at the Hyderabad-Jamshoro interchange demanding free and fair results. The PTI and other political parties have backed the GDA's demonstrations. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Sec 144 imposed in Islamabad ahead of PTI's call for nationwide protests

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<p>The farmers' protest in India continues with demonstrators set to meet central ministers <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-indian-government-to-enter-fourth-round-of-talks-with-protestors-on-feb-18-691060">for a fourth round of talks on Sunday </a></strong>(Feb 18) evening. The protests have been going on for five days and farmer unions have vowed to intensify the agitation. The talks are&nbsp;focused on three areas- farm loan waiver, legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) policy, and the use of a comprehensive cost formula to arrive at it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The farmers and trade unions observed a Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) on Friday, a day after the third round of talks ended.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will surely reach a conclusion if we will carry forward the talks peacefully. I am hopeful that we will soon find a solution," said&nbsp;Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda after the talks on Friday.</p>

<p>Munda asserted that while making the final decision, the Centre will keep in mind all the aspects of the talks. "The decision cannot be taken in such a way that people criticise the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Farmers demand financial aid for those injured</strong></h2>

<p>Farmers have alleged that around 400 protesters have been injured at the Punjab-Haryana borders due to clashes and continuous tear gas shelling by riot police, reported news agency&nbsp;Reuters on&nbsp;Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-farmer-protest-20-differs-from-the-2020-stir-five-points-689883">Here’s how farmers' protest 2.0 differs from the 2020 agitation: Six points</a></strong></p>

<p>The farmers placed two demands for those injured- job security and financial aid to help the wounded protesters. The current protests started as part of the "Dilli Chalo" (Let's go to New Delhi) march earlier this week to press the government to set a minimum support price for their produce.</p>

<p>However, the protesters were stopped around 200 kilometres from the national capital, triggering clashes.</p>

<h2><strong>Elderly farmer and Haryana cop die</strong></h2>

<p>Two people have died in the ongoing protests. A 63-year-old protester from Punjab, who was at the Shambu border, died after suffering a heart attack.</p>

<p>Officials told the news agency PTI that Gian Singh complained of chest pain in the morning and was taken to the Civil Hospital in Punjab’s Rajpura. From there, he was rushed to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where doctors declared him brought dead, they added. The second victim was a Government Railway Police (GRP) official who also died of a heart attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, farmer leaders addressed a press conference at the Shambu border on Saturday where they said that the Centre announced MSP for 23 crops but was only purchasing 2-3 crops. "We want to end the loot by corporates (in buying crops) as the first step," farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Farmers' protest: Here's what farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said during a press conference at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border.<br />
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"I believe that if the government seriously focusses on the consumer and producer and focusses a bit less on the corporates, then this… <a href="https://t.co/OVsDMlm4dm">pic.twitter.com/OVsDMlm4dm</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1758730720296505509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I believe that if the government seriously focusses on the consumer and producer and focusses a bit less on the corporates, then this whole issue can be sorted," farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The farmers' protest in India continues with demonstrators set to meet central ministers for a fourth round of talks on Sunday (Feb 18) evening. The protests have been going on for five days and farmer unions have vowed to intensify the agitation.

The farmers' protest in India continues with demonstrators set to meet central ministers for a fourth round of talks on Sunday (Feb 18) evening. The protests have been going on for five days and farmer unions have vowed to intensify the agitation. The talks are focused on three areas- farm loan waiver, legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) policy, and the use of a comprehensive cost formula to arrive at it. The farmers and trade unions observed a Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) on Friday, a day after the third round of talks ended. "We will surely reach a conclusion if we will carry forward the talks peacefully. I am hopeful that we will soon find a solution," said Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda after the talks on Friday. Munda asserted that while making the final decision, the Centre will keep in mind all the aspects of the talks. "The decision cannot be taken in such a way that people criticise the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days," he added. Farmers demand financial aid for those injured Farmers have alleged that around 400 protesters have been injured at the Punjab-Haryana borders due to clashes and continuous tear gas shelling by riot police, reported news agency Reuters on Saturday. Also read | Here’s how farmers' protest 2.0 differs from the 2020 agitation: Six points The farmers placed two demands for those injured- job security and financial aid to help the wounded protesters. The current protests started as part of the "Dilli Chalo" (Let's go to New Delhi) march earlier this week to press the government to set a minimum support price for their produce. However, the protesters were stopped around 200 kilometres from the national capital, triggering clashes. Elderly farmer and Haryana cop die Two people have died in the ongoing protests. A 63-year-old protester from Punjab, who was at the Shambu border, died after suffering a heart attack. Officials told the news agency PTI that Gian Singh complained of chest pain in the morning and was taken to the Civil Hospital in Punjab’s Rajpura. From there, he was rushed to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where doctors declared him brought dead, they added. The second victim was a Government Railway Police (GRP) official who also died of a heart attack. Meanwhile, farmer leaders addressed a press conference at the Shambu border on Saturday where they said that the Centre announced MSP for 23 crops but was only purchasing 2-3 crops. "We want to end the loot by corporates (in buying crops) as the first step," farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said. VIDEO | Farmers' protest: Here's what farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said during a press conference at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border. "I believe that if the government seriously focusses on the consumer and producer and focusses a bit less on the corporates, then this… pic.twitter.com/OVsDMlm4dm — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2024 × "I believe that if the government seriously focusses on the consumer and producer and focusses a bit less on the corporates, then this whole issue can be sorted," farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said. (With inputs from agencies)

India farmers' protest: Farmers vow to intensify stir, demand financial aid for injured

Pricey Mansions on California Clifftop Come Closer to Edge After Landslide

Landslide Brings Mansions in Dana Point to the Edge

Pricey homes on a clifftop in California's Dana Point got closer to the edge following a landslide. Photographs showed three mega-mansions in California's Dana Point perilously close to the Pacific Ocean following a landslide in the state.

Despite the mansions being so close to the edge, the properties are still livable. The engineers assured owners that their homes were in no danger of sliding into the sea.

Speaking to local media,  Lewis Bruggeman, who owns one of the homes said his property (worth $16 million) was "not threatened and it will not be" labelled uninhabitable. Bruggeman said that the administration agreed that there was no major structural issue with the house.

Dramatic photographs from the affected region showed lighter sand and soil that was exposed with the tumbling of the darker cliff face, with chunks of greenery in the new crater. Authorities said that while the photographs were dramatic, there was no immediate danger.

Images source: NASA, Shutterstock (Representative images)

The Big Bang is where our universe started- around 13.8 billion years ago. According to NASA, the Big Bang is the idea that the universe began as just a single point, then expanded and stretched to grow as large as it is right now- and is still growing.

The Big Bang theory was proposed by Georges Lemaître- a Belgian astronomer. Lemaître said that a very long time ago, the universe started as just a single point. He said the universe stretched and expanded to get as big as it is now, and that it could keep on stretching.

What happened before the Big Bang has been a mystery which remains unanswered to this day. The question has boggled scientists for years. Perhaps there was nothing!

American Physicist Explains Leading Theory

Will Kinney, a physicist at the University of Buffalo, said in his book (An Infinity of Worlds: Cosmic Inflation and the Beginning of the Universe) that before the Big Bang, the universe underwent a breathtaking cosmic expansion, doubling in size at least 80 times in a fraction of a second. Kinney said that this rapid inflation fueled by a mysterious form of energy that permeated empty space itself, left the universe desolate and cold. Only after this, did the conditions of the Big Bang emerge.

What was Before the Big Bang?

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<p>As Prabowo Subianto is almost certain to become the next Indonesian president, families of activists who were tortured by soldiers 25 years ago have expressed shock over the victory of the ex-special forces commander and current defence minister.</p>

<p>The families, standing outside the presidential palace in Jakarta, held posters with photographs of the generals they held responsible for the 1998 disappearances, news agency Associated Press reported.</p>

<p>One of the photographs showed Subianto, who was a former top general and commander of the army’s special forces called Kopassus.</p>

<p>The Kopassus unit was blamed for human rights abuses including the torture of 22 activists who had opposed dictator Suharto's rule.</p>

<h2><strong>An appeal to Prabowo</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to the Associated Press, 77-year-old Paian Siahaan, whose activist son was brutally assaulted by soldiers after Suharto’s rule collapsed in 1998, said that if Prabowo would be the next president of Indonesia, he should "resolve the enforced disappearance cases so that we, the victims’ families, can have peace."</p>

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<h5><em><strong>In this photo from Feb 15, 2024, families of activists hold posters with photographs of the generals they held responsible for the 1998 disappearances.&nbsp;</strong></em></h5>

<p>Another protester, 71-year-old Maria Catarina Sumarsih, told the news agency that her son was shot by security forces in 1998 on a university campus. In a letter addressed to outgoing president Joko Widodo, Maria condemned Prabowo's election victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-prabowo-subianto-the-fiery-nationalist-turned-statesman-set-to-be-indonesias-next-president-690466">Who is Prabowo Subianto, the fiery nationalist-turned politician, likely to be Indonesia's next president?</a></strong></p>

<p>Prabowo, 72, has long been dogged by accusations of past misdeeds including involvement in the kidnapping of activists in 1998 and human rights abuses in Papua and East Timor. The allegations remain unproven to this day.</p>

<p>He was dismissed from the army in 1998 and was banned from travelling to the United States for the alleged abuses. However, the ban was lifted when he was named defence minister in 2019.</p>

<p>He has always denied the claims and when pressed, has said all operations he conducted were legal.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto claims victory within four hours</strong></p>

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<p>In this year's election campaign, Subianto avoided human rights issues and benefitted from many voters’ focus on his promise to continue Widodo’s economic roadmap, Adhi Primarizki of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told the Associated Press.</p>

<h2><strong>Over 60% of Gen Z voters back Prabowo</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Reuters, pre-election results showed that over 60 per cent of Gen Z voters backed Prabowo, many of whom were likely too young to remember the events of 1998.</p>

<p>“Unfortunately, human rights issues are not a popular issue in this election,” Primarizki said and pointed out that many voters were too young to witness human rights abuses during Suharto's rule.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Prabowo Subianto is almost certain to become the next Indonesian president, families of activists who were tortured by soldiers 25 years ago have expressed shock over the victory of the ex-special forces commander and current defence minister.

As Prabowo Subianto is almost certain to become the next Indonesian president, families of activists who were tortured by soldiers 25 years ago have expressed shock over the victory of the ex-special forces commander and current defence minister. The families, standing outside the presidential palace in Jakarta, held posters with photographs of the generals they held responsible for the 1998 disappearances, news agency Associated Press reported. One of the photographs showed Subianto, who was a former top general and commander of the army’s special forces called Kopassus. The Kopassus unit was blamed for human rights abuses including the torture of 22 activists who had opposed dictator Suharto's rule. An appeal to Prabowo Speaking to the Associated Press, 77-year-old Paian Siahaan, whose activist son was brutally assaulted by soldiers after Suharto’s rule collapsed in 1998, said that if Prabowo would be the next president of Indonesia, he should "resolve the enforced disappearance cases so that we, the victims’ families, can have peace." In this photo from Feb 15, 2024, families of activists hold posters with photographs of the generals they held responsible for the 1998 disappearances. Another protester, 71-year-old Maria Catarina Sumarsih, told the news agency that her son was shot by security forces in 1998 on a university campus. In a letter addressed to outgoing president Joko Widodo, Maria condemned Prabowo's election victory. Also read | Who is Prabowo Subianto, the fiery nationalist-turned politician, likely to be Indonesia's next president? Prabowo, 72, has long been dogged by accusations of past misdeeds including involvement in the kidnapping of activists in 1998 and human rights abuses in Papua and East Timor. The allegations remain unproven to this day. He was dismissed from the army in 1998 and was banned from travelling to the United States for the alleged abuses. However, the ban was lifted when he was named defence minister in 2019. He has always denied the claims and when pressed, has said all operations he conducted were legal. Also watch | Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto claims victory within four hours × In this year's election campaign, Subianto avoided human rights issues and benefitted from many voters’ focus on his promise to continue Widodo’s economic roadmap, Adhi Primarizki of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told the Associated Press. Over 60% of Gen Z voters back Prabowo According to a report by the news agency Reuters, pre-election results showed that over 60 per cent of Gen Z voters backed Prabowo, many of whom were likely too young to remember the events of 1998. “Unfortunately, human rights issues are not a popular issue in this election,” Primarizki said and pointed out that many voters were too young to witness human rights abuses during Suharto's rule. (With inputs from agencies)

If you're going to be prez...: Kin of Indonesian activists tortured by soldiers shocked at Prabowo's poll win

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Feb 15) warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against his plan to launch an offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah without any concrete plan to ensure the safety of the civilians. In a statement, the White House said that President Biden reiterated his view that a military operation should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the civilians in Rafah.</p>

<p>In India, a Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) is being observed on Friday. The strike has been called by trade unions and farmers who are protesting against the government over many issues, including the government setting a minimum price for all their produce. Security has been tightened in New Delhi and surrounding regions amid the strike. The Bandh comes a day after farmer leaders held a meeting with Indian ministers and addressed their grievances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, Fani Willis, the lead prosecutor in the Georgia election case involving Donald Trump, faced intense scrutiny over her relationship with fellow prosecutor Nathan Wade during a hearing on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-warns-netanyahu-against-rafah-offensive-in-a-fresh-call-690752"><strong>Israel-Hamas war: Biden warns Netanyahu against Rafah offensive in a fresh call</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/16/412433-wion-banners-prisha-28.jpg?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>United States President Joe Biden held a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Feb 15), in which he warned the latter against Israel's plan to launch an operation in the Gaza&nbsp;city of Rafah without any concrete plan to ensure the safety of the civilians.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-today-protesting-indian-farmers-call-for-strike-say-demonstrations-will-continue-peacefully-690787"><strong>Bharat Bandh today: Protesting Indian farmers call for strike, say demonstrations will continue peacefully</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/16/412456-untitled-design-2024-02-16t094716213.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>Protesting farmers in India called for a Bharath Bandh (nationwide strike) on Friday (Feb 16) as part of their 'Dilli&nbsp;Chalo' agitation- a march by farmers from the state of Punjab to the national capital to press their demands that the government set a minimum price for all their produce to ensure they can sustain their livelihood.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-election-case-trump-prosecutor-fani-willis-accuses-defense-of-lying-in-testimony-690741"><strong>Georgia election case: Trump prosecutor Fani Willis accuses defence of lying in testimony</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/16/412427-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-02-16t074032405.jpg?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>Fani Willis, the lead prosecutor in the Georgia election case involving Donald Trump, faced intense scrutiny over her relationship with fellow prosecutor Nathan Wade during a contentious hearing on Thursday (Feb 15). The defence alleged that her association with Wade, whom she appointed, presented a conflict of interest that could undermine the charges against Trump.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-landmark-decision-greece-legalises-same-sex-marriage-690771"><strong>In a landmark decision, Greece legalises same-sex marriage</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/16/412443-untitled-design-2024-02-16t085910315.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>In a historic decision, the Greek parliament on Thursday (Feb 15) passed a law which legalised same-sex marriage and made it the first majority Orthodox Christian country where marriage equality for all has been established.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Indian websites faced 5.14 bn cyberattacks in 2023, says report</strong></p>

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United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Feb 15) warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against his plan to launch an offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah without any concrete plan to ensure the safety of the civilians.

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Feb 15) warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against his plan to launch an offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah without any concrete plan to ensure the safety of the civilians. In a statement, the White House said that President Biden reiterated his view that a military operation should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the civilians in Rafah. In India, a Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) is being observed on Friday. The strike has been called by trade unions and farmers who are protesting against the government over many issues, including the government setting a minimum price for all their produce. Security has been tightened in New Delhi and surrounding regions amid the strike. The Bandh comes a day after farmer leaders held a meeting with Indian ministers and addressed their grievances. In other news from around the world, Fani Willis, the lead prosecutor in the Georgia election case involving Donald Trump, faced intense scrutiny over her relationship with fellow prosecutor Nathan Wade during a hearing on Thursday. Click on the headlines to read more: Israel-Hamas war: Biden warns Netanyahu against Rafah offensive in a fresh call United States President Joe Biden held a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Feb 15), in which he warned the latter against Israel's plan to launch an operation in the Gaza city of Rafah without any concrete plan to ensure the safety of the civilians. Bharat Bandh today: Protesting Indian farmers call for strike, say demonstrations will continue peacefully Protesting farmers in India called for a Bharath Bandh (nationwide strike) on Friday (Feb 16) as part of their 'Dilli Chalo' agitation- a march by farmers from the state of Punjab to the national capital to press their demands that the government set a minimum price for all their produce to ensure they can sustain their livelihood. Georgia election case: Trump prosecutor Fani Willis accuses defence of lying in testimony Fani Willis, the lead prosecutor in the Georgia election case involving Donald Trump, faced intense scrutiny over her relationship with fellow prosecutor Nathan Wade during a contentious hearing on Thursday (Feb 15). The defence alleged that her association with Wade, whom she appointed, presented a conflict of interest that could undermine the charges against Trump. In a landmark decision, Greece legalises same-sex marriage In a historic decision, the Greek parliament on Thursday (Feb 15) passed a law which legalised same-sex marriage and made it the first majority Orthodox Christian country where marriage equality for all has been established. Watch | Indian websites faced 5.14 bn cyberattacks in 2023, says report ×

Morning brief: Biden warns Netanyahu against Rafah offensive; Bharat Bandh today, and more

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